Commencement
Each year, Principia College offers its heartfelt congratulations to our successful graduates. The president, deans, faculty, families, friends, staff, and alumni gather together for a very special graduation event, celebrating the achievements of our graduates and confirming the conferral of their academic degrees. Please join us for our 2024 celebration.
Commencement 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Cox Auditorium
Principia College Campus
COMMENCEMENT WEEK 2024
While on campus during Commencement, monitors in public areas will have exclusive Commencement calendar updates. Also, students can check their Prin App as well for schedule and updates.
Thursday, May 9:
Gehner House opens for Guest Lodging NOON
International Student Speeches
Location: Wanamaker Hall 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
A special once-a-year opportunity to hear graduating senior students share their gratitude and experiences at Principia.
Guest Speaker: Nana Agyeman, C’05
Light refreshments follow in Leonard Hall.
Senior Class Gift Ribbon Cutting
Location: Chapel Green/Observation Platform 5:45 pm
Join the Class of 2024 Representatives, Advancement and special Alumni guests from the 50th Reunion at a special ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling the class gift! Rain location: under the Tent on Chapel Green
Senior BBQ
Location: Chapel Green 6:00 – 7:45 pm
Time for some award-winning St Louis BBQ from SugarFire Smoke House BBQ! Graduates and their families are warmly invited to our tasty Senior BBQ on the Chapel Green.
Rain Location: Howard Center Dining Room
Dance/Music/Theatre Showcase
Location: McVay Center for Performing Arts 8:00 pm
Flying Space: A Showcase of Art
A wonderful showcase of performing and visual art featuring graduating students. A dessert reception in the foyer of McVay follows the showcase.
FRIDAY, May 10:
Student Awards Ceremony
Location: Cox Auditorium 10:00 am – 11:30 am
The awards ceremony celebrates the academic, athletic, and student life achievements of our students as well as recognizes faculty honors and awards.
Student Commencement Rehearsal - GRADUATES ONLY
Location: School of Government Terrace Hall & Cox Auditorium 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Mandatory attendance for all graduates.
Students should gather on the Terrace level of the School of Government for “walking order”, timing, etc., and then process to Cox Auditorium for actual graduation rehearsal. Attendance of all graduates is required in order to participate in Commencement on Saturday.
Family & Friends Gratitude Session
Location: Chapel 2:00 - 3:00 pm
For parents/guardians, friends and families! This is a time to come together and hear heartwarming stories of gratitude from parents, etc. on the impact that the Principia College experience has had on their graduate. This is truly an incredible hour not to be missed.
President’s Reception
Location: Hutchinson House 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Everyone is warmly invited to Hutchinson House to meet this year’s Commencement speaker, Ms. Elisabeth Brinton, C’89, the college President, Principia's Chief Executive and other members of college administration. Enjoy light refreshments plus sweeping river views from the back yard.
* Rain location is Howard Center Dining Room
Baccalaureate Ceremony
Location: Cox Auditorium 8 – 9:00 pm
The Baccalaureate Service provides an inspirational setting marking the beginning of our commencement activities. At this special service, four seniors, who have been selected by the graduating class, address the community and guests. Musical selections of a devotional nature are offered by the College organist and choir.
Free Pub Shakes
Location: Pub Patio at Howard Center 9:00 pm
Jazz music on the Pub patio and free Pub Shakes!
SATURDAY, MAY 11:
Pancakes with the President
Location: Pub Patio 8:30 – 10am (Rain Location: Holt Gallery)
Watch out for flying pancakes! Graduates and their families are invited to join us for a special breakfast where President Daniel Norton, along with other special guests from the administration team, will be showcasing their pancake-flipping skills. Expect stacks of fluffy pancakes, syrupy sweetness, and loads of fun as we celebrate your commencement day!
Buffet Lunch for purchase
Location: Concourse 11:15 am – 1:00 pm
Doors Open to Cox Auditorium 1:00 pm
Procession Line-Up SOG 1:30 – 1:50 pm
Faculty, Staff, Graduates: All commencement participants line up and begin the march at 1:57 pm. Faculty line-up on the main level of the School of Government. Graduates line up on Terrace Level.
Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024
Location: Cox Auditorium 2:00 pm
Process to Chapel Green for Celebration 3:30 pm
Celebration on the Green
Location: Chapel Green 3:30 – 5pm
Light refreshments served
SUNDAY, MAY 12
Church Service
Location: Chapel 10:45 – 11:45 am